Harbor Freight Tools, known for selling durable tools at affordable prices, has been a go-to destination for budget-conscious shoppers needing heavy-duty equipment. Established in 1977 by Allan and Eric Smidt, this father-son venture has become a trusted name for home garage tool needs.
Almost five decades later, the Harbor Freight franchise remains under the ownership of the Smidt family, with Eric Smidt as the current owner and co-founder, continuing the legacy of providing quality tools at reasonable prices.
Harbor Freight Tools: 45 Years of Commitment to Quality and Affordability
Harbor Freight Tools, originally a mail-order tool business named Harbor Freight Salvage, was founded by Eric and Allan Smidt in a small North Hollywood space. It began as a modest operation in 1977, but by 1980, the company opened its first physical store in Lexington, Kentucky.
After rebranding to Harbor Freight Tools in 1985, the company saw substantial growth. Eric Smidt took full ownership in 1999, and under his leadership, the business has expanded to over 1,400 stores with more than 25,000 employees.
Harbor Freight is renowned for offering an extensive range of more than 7,000 tools and accessories, rivaling other brands in quality but at significantly lower costs, often up to 80% less.
Beyond retail, the company prides itself on its dedicated team, commitment to community, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
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Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, a part of The Smidt Foundation established by Eric Smidt, founder of Harbor Freight Tools, focuses on enhancing skilled trades education in American public high schools.
The program recognizes the value of skilled trades and supports the intelligence and creativity of hands-on work. Its mission is to promote understanding and funding for skilled trades education, offering students a route to graduation career opportunities and supporting the nation's workforce needs.
The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence annually awards $1.5 million to exceptional U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs.
This prize celebrates excellent teaching in skilled trades, inspiring students for post-graduation life. Winners join a national network of skilled trades teachers, sharing best practices and developing new educational strategies.
The initiative also involves research to understand the landscape of high school skilled trades education, communication efforts to highlight its value, and funding for innovative projects demonstrating the transformative impact of skilled trades education on students, teachers, and communities.
The United States is grappling with a critical shortage of skilled trades workers. To address this, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools focuses on fostering the next wave of skilled trades professionals.
The initiative emphasizes skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools, particularly Advanced Manufacturing, Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics, and Welding.
The Smidt Foundation, founded by Eric Smidt of Harbor Freight Tools, supports this endeavor. It's part of their commitment to aiding nonprofits that enhance community safety, opportunity, and well-being, particularly in Los Angeles and other key areas.
This program is the foundation's flagship, showcasing Eric Smidt's respect for those who build, repair, and maintain our communities.
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